On Wednesday, Glam Media invited a few publishers to embark on a 'Things We Love' Summer Sail. 

What do we love? 

Things like Hawaiian Tropic's new Silk Hydrations lotion sunscreen with hydrating ribbons with 12 hours moisturization and available in SPF 12, 30 and 50, hehe. 

No, seriously, once we stepped onto the ship, we were met with a gorgeous tropical atmosphere complete with Bahama Mamas. And gorgeous sights.

Meet my date, Tracey. Isn't she purrty?

My fairy blogmother, Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog shut it down in a super snatched waist and that highlighter neon necklace. Can you believe it's from H&M? 

Thank you, Glam and Hawaiian Tropic for a great afternoon! =) 

Happy Friday, ladies! Enjoy your weekend and have a fun Memorial Day. We'll talk Monday.

p.s., Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hawaiian Tropic® Sun Care via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hawaiian Tropic. 
 
Hawaiian Tropic is a trademark of Tanning Research Laboratories, LLC.

... I'm just wearing a dress.

Could anything be more annoying than someone asking you, 'Why are you so dressed up?'

When did it become so odd that someone would not want to resemble a homeless person as they go through life?

I wrote a paper my freshman year of college about how our society's lax attitude about wardrobe spilled into so many other areas of our lives and I think this idea is still revelant today.

Does that make me superficial because I take pride in my appearance? Because I like to look nice?

For myself? 

Is it so wrong to not wait for a special occasion to paint my nails or have my eyebrows threaded?

When did that become 'fancy' instead of the usual upkeep?  

I hope I don't sound like I'm venting. 

Just wondering out loud.

Don't you think our society is so much more casual though?

Lately, I've been getting style inspiration from not actual people but characters on some of my favorite TV shows. I think it so interesting the way that a character's style can be used to convey their personality to the audience. Like, Hannah Horvath (played by the show's writer Lena Dunham) on HBO's new series Girls. 

I know this show has gotten a bit of a bad rap for its lack of diversity but doesn't take away from the fact that show is brilliantly written. Sex and The City is not. But the awkward, real life situations that aren't always pretty? This show is full of them.

Hannah is by far my favorite girl on the show. She is a writer struggling in New York. Brooklyn to be exact. And I might be alone in this, but I think her wardrobe conveys her personality so much better than her words ever could. Here are five style lessons we can all take away from the show. 

1. It's Perfectly Okay To Be A Bit Childish.

My absolute favorite thing about Hannah is how naive she is. Things will work out because they have too. You know how a child dreams without limits? Hannah is like that. And her wardrobe reflects it. She still looks like she shops in the childrens' department, occasionally. Which makes me happy because the clothing there is always a bit fun and whimsical.

2. But At The Same Time Pretend To Be Tough.

In a weird juxtaposition to all the frilly dresses that Hannah wears, she has quite a few tattoos. And they aren't little flowers and butterflies in discreet spots. She has them on her arms and shoulders. But that's kind-of how fashion works. It can act as an armor. 

3. Don't Be Afraid To Take Other's Advice.

I know when it comes to personal style, it's hard to listen to other people. Because your style is just that, personal. But Hannah takes suggestions and rolls with it. When some of her coworkers suggested that she pencil in her brows and made her look like a surprised Chola, she went with it. Are you that openminded about your style (for better or worse)?

4. Your Style Reflects Your Mindset.

I know you're like, 'Thank you, Captian Obvious!' But seriously, Hannah is a bit insecure with her weight and it shows in the way she dresses. When she isn't wearing a t-shirt that she looks like she bought in the children's department, she is wearing a super baggy frock. That to me, just screams 'I hate my body!' What are you saying with your wardrobe? 

5. Not Caring Is Actually Freeing.

I strongly believe that I perform my best when I look good which makes me feel good. So if I'm going to be mocked because I like my nails painted, eyebrows threaded, or pretty underthings, than so be it. But at the (d*mn) same time, I respect people who don't need all of that to feel good. Just being yourself, in all that makes you feel good, is freeing. Don't you agree?

Have you seen Girls, yet? What do you think of it? Admittedly, it took a minute for me to get into this show but I'm definitely a fan. I think I have a little Hannah in me, whether I want to admit it or not.

What did you think?

We were just talking about whether or not I dress like a Dr. Seuss character and I look down and what do I see? Blue and white stripes!

That was my main reason about why I didn't look like one and here I am in them. 

In my defense though, I dressed the stripes up with a denim vest and a statement necklace.

Can we have a moment to discuss this heat? And what we are doing with our hair? My roots were just straightened out and this heat puts them in danger.

I'm not complaining. I'm just saying.

What's a girl to do in this heat? I can't sweat my hair out and my makeup.

How are you handling this weather?

I'm still on the fence about the neon bra thing. I think I might need to do a test run in the house, like I would a new lipstick or pair of shoes. An easier trend--one that I've already started wearing--that I think we can expect to see well into the summer is, wait for it, loafers!

I've noticed them a lot lately on all types of cute girls wearing stylish outfits. I never thought that I would get into them. Which is surprising, considering my obsession with menswear. But they are actually easy to wear.

I think of them as an edgier ballet flat that you can wear with pretty much everything. I promise you, this summer you can wear them with shorts and skirts just as easily as you can dresses and jeans.

Will you keep it haute this summer and step into a pair of loafers?

And if you're 21 and older, you and your loafers can walk right into the bar and request a Pucker Vodka cocktail. Perfect way to unwind, no?

I have a love/hate relationship with neons. I love that neon polish is so bright that it's almost an accessory on its own but hate that I can't get it to photograph accurately.

This was my first time trying POP Beauty nail polish and I have to say, I am quite impressed. Pinkest is an extremely haute hot pink that dries down super shiny and jelly-like.

Ugh. If only you guys could see it in it's true neon glory. The top hand in the photo above is actually pretty accurate but the bottom hand is how the polish looks in the video below.

 

Hey, do you guys like the videos? Or do you prefer jus the photos? What do you think of the polish? What's on your nails? 

I found the perfect white summer dress. And you will never guess where. Well, maybe, hehe, thanks to the title of this post.

Kohl’s.

Yes.

Don’t I look like I’m on my way to brunch? Or something sophisticated?

Wearing:
Simply Vera by Vera Wang Dress & Necklaces
Apt9 Bangles
Elle T-Strap Platform Sandals

The accessories are from Kohl’s too. #AllKohlsEverything

I love wearing T-Straps, they make anything instantly ladylike and I love they way they add a pop of color to the dress. And would you believe me if I told you they were $29?!

You miiight want to head into your local Kohl's. I was surprised how cute all of the collections were.

p.s., I received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete this white-haute look. These are my opinions and I will definitely wear this outfit again. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., wholly owned subsudairy of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.

Considering that Memorial Day is, like, the unofficial kick-off to summer, we can expect to find ourselves by a pool in the near future. Are you swimsuit ready?

What about makeup? Are you one for wearing makeup to the pool or beach? I'm not. I don't want to have to worry about something sliding off my face.

So I keep things pretty simple. Exfoliate, shave and load up on sunscreen.

I do however, like to apply a shimmery lotion for an extra sun-kissed glow. And because I need my lashes to pop, I load up on the waterproof mascara. 

What do you like to do to get pretty for pool parties? Phillips wants to know! 

Philips Satin Perfect is an innovative solution for women who are looking for a simple, at-home hair removal tool to ensure they are ready for any outfit at a moment’s notice. Satin Perfect is a cordless, total body epilator that removes even the shortest hairs in one stroke, so skin stays silky smooth for up to four weeks. It includes an extra-wide epilation head with textured ceramic discs to remove even the finest and shortest (.5MM) hairs.  Visit www.Beauty.Philips.com for more information on Philips female hair removal products. 

p.s., Compensation was provided by Philips via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Philips.

Guess what, guys?

I'm going to Paris. My BFF is doing a semester abroad and my mother and I are going for a week and a half once she's done to do hoodrat things--kidding, kind-of.

I've turned into an even bigger francophile. I'm like Carrie right before she went to Paris with The Russian. Remember her saying that some outfits were just dying to be taken to Paris? That's me. 

I'm obsessed with all things French: beauty brands, books, and obviously fashion. I've been putting things aside for my 'Paris pile,' and surprisingly, Queen of France, Marie Antoinette has influenced a few of my style choices. Who would have guessed that there are five style lessons we can learn from Marie Antoinette.

p.s., I so wish I had Sofia Coppolla's Marie Antoinette on DVD. Kirsten Dunst is everything in this role.

Break The Rules

Marie Antoinette was the one who introduced daily bathing to the French. She decided that she didn't want to wear corsets. So, she didn't. Don't you admire that?

Bows, Feathers and Glitter! Oh My!

I love that Queen Marie wasn't afraid to adorn herself in things that made her happy: tons of glitter and feathers all in fun girly colors. Everything about her was decadent. I love it. Don't you?

Add A Hat

A hat adds such an interesting element to an outfit, wouldn't you say? I love the dainty ones that Marie was portrayed to have worn. What are your feelings on hats?

Pop Your Color

Doesn't it seem like Marie Antoinette's world resembles a box of macarons? Such a lovely combination of colors. Not only in terms of what she wore but what she put on her lips, in her home (castle). Sofia Coppola did such a good job visually with her life. How do you use color?

Be Ridiculous

You get one life. One. So, you might as well take a page out of Marie Antoinette's book and live as lavishly (as your budget allows). Wear what you want to, choose dessert-always, and wear pretty shoes. Why not?

What do you think of Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette? Did you love the movie, too? How about her style? 

My favorite thing about this series on the blog is that I point out trends that I think will be fun to try and we all offer suggestions and feedback. Such trendy people you all are. 

One trend that has been on my radar for quite some time now but I haven't worked up the courage to try is yet is the whole neon bra under a sheer shirt deal.

I have both parts needed for this to work. The sheer blouse that I am obsessed with and a hot pink bra that would be perfect--is it weird I just told you that?

I think the issue is I don't want some grandma to pull me to the side like, 'Look honey, your bra is showing.'

But I guess that's the risk you take when you have fun with fashion, right? Not everyone understands?

How do you feel about this trend? Have you worn it? Will you try it out?

Images Courtesy of Pinterest